First image and cast for Jem and the Holograms movie

Since we never actually covered the initial announcement, there’s quite a bit of ground cover. First of all, production of a live action Jem and the Holograms (the popular, and outrageous, 80s cartoon about women in a rock band) adaptation was announced last month with Jon M. Chu directing (G.I. Joe Retaliation) and Jason Blum producing. (The Purge, Insidious). Craziest thing about the announcement was that they planned to start filming three weeks after it was announced.

So here we are with the four leads and the first teaser image. The four leads are Aubrey Peeples as lead singer Jem, Stefanie Scott as keyboardist Kimber, Aurora Perrineau as bass guitarist Shana, and Hayley Kiyoko as lead guitarist Aja. 

Although this all just seems insane, with its quick turnaround and need for fan input (but apparently wanting none from Jem creator, Christy Marx), I’m kind of curious what this’ll turn out like. The cast is interesting and potentially subversive like in Spring Breakers (filled with girls from notable Disney and ABC properties), but the first image seems to lay it on a bit heavy. Although the original cartoon dealt with a few heavy topics, it was outrageously bubble gum fun. I hope some of that spirit is intact. Check it out in full in the gallery.